Disney's Animal Kingdom has a new four-legged star. Ivy, a baby Masai giraffe born in April 2026, has made her public debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista.
Ivy spent her first two months bonding backstage with her mother before joining the main habitat. In that short time, she grew from 6 feet to 7½ feet tall — a growth spurt that's hard to miss. Guests riding Kilimanjaro Safaris during regular park hours have a chance to spot her roaming the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
Her arrival carries real conservation significance. Masai giraffes are classified as endangered, with an estimated 30,000 remaining in the wild, making each successful birth a meaningful milestone for the species.
Two animal keepers are dedicated specifically to Ivy's care. Keeper Derra Leonard described the early work of earning the young giraffe's trust, noting that Ivy is naturally a bit shy and that building their bond is an ongoing and rewarding process.
As for her name, the animal care team assembled a list of 12 candidates before Disney cast members voted. They landed on Ivy to complement the botanical theme of her mother's name, Willow. This story was originally reported by Spectrum News 13.
